Pilfer-proof mounting



1965 E. E. SCHAEFER 3,

PILFER-PROOF MOUNTING Filed July 22 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 W A fi 99 INVENTOR.

[dwardESaMeziex Oct. 12, 1965 E. E. SCHAEFER PILFER-PROOF MOUNTING Filed July 22 1965 r a M w a \\\\\m 0 m g United States Patent 3,211,408 PILFER-PROOF MOUNTING Edward E. Schaefer, River Forest, 11]., assiguor to Central Specialties Co., a corporation of Illinois Filed July 22, 1963, Ser. No. 296,504

20 Claims. (Cl. 248-203) This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior application entitled, Pilfer-Proof Mounting, Serial Number 56,214, filed September 15, 1960, now abandoned.

This invention relate-s to a mounting for securing an article to a display surface, and more particularly relates to a pilfier-proof mounting of the aforementioned type.

One of the problems experienced in department stores and other merchandising outlets where small articles such as hand tools, jewelry, and the like are displayed, is that of preventing casual theft or pilfering of such articles. It is well known that non-professional thieves and shopli-fters are prone to steal such articles if they are openly displayed and left unattended. The slightest degree of attachment of the article, however, is usually sufiicient to discourage theft, as this type of shoplifter does not wish to attract attention to himself. The actual restraint of the article need only be suflicint to deter the thief.

While various types of attachments or mountings have been proposed heretofore to accomplish the foregoing, such mountings have not gained general acceptance either because they detracted from the appearance and sales appeal of the article when the latter was connected thereto, or were too easily demountable from the surface to which they were attached so as to be intfective in their intended function, or were limited in use to an installation on a particular type of surface.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved 'pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article toa display surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel pilfer-proof mounting of the foregoing type which is manipulated entirely from the exposed side of the display surface.

A further object is to provide an improved pilfer-proof mounting of the foregoing type which can be easily installed on a plurality of display surfaces and which cannot be easily removed therefrom without the use of a special tool.

Still another object is to provide an improved pilferproof mounting of the above-mentioned character which is attractive in appearance and which permits of rapid connection and disconnection of the article.

A further object is to provide a novel and improved pilfer-proof mounting for displaying small electrical appliances or the like having an electrical appliance cord extending therefrom and including an enlarged plug at one end thereof, said mounting being engageable with said cord.

A still further object is to provide a novel and improved pilfer-proof mounting for securing a plurality of articles having separate attaching means connected thereto to a display surface.

I Another object is to provide a novel and improved pilfer-proof mounting of the foregoing character in which one or more articles may be connected to or disconnected from said mounting without dernounting the latter from said display surface.

Other objectsand advantages of the invention will become apparent upon making reference to the detailed description which follows and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing two pilfer-proof mountings embodying the features of the present invention, one of the mountings being illustrated 3,211,408 Patented Oct. 12, 1965 in exploded form to show the parts thereof, the other mounting being illustrated in an operable assembled condition on .a vertical display surface of the perforated board yp FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the mounting shown in FIGS. 1-3 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and showing the parts thereof as they would appear during an intermediate stage of assembly or disassembly of the mounting;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the mounting of FIGS. 1-3 secured to a horizontal imperforate display surface;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an alternate pilfer-proof mounting construction comprising a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the mounting of FIG. 6 as seen from the line 77 and'as detached from its support;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the mounting of FIGS. 5 and 6 openably disposed on a horizontal display surface;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view, similar .to FIG. 1, showing a modification of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view'of a portion of a display rack and showing one and a portion of another pilfer-proof mounting embodying the features of the present invention, the mountings being adapted to retain a plurality of articles;

FIG. 12 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view of one of the mountings illustrated in FIG. =11. as the latter would appear when an article to be displayed is ready to be connected to or disconnected from the mounting;

FIG. 13 is a somewhat enlarged longitudinal sectional View taken substantially along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12, but with some of the parts of the mounting in a different position; and v I FIG. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantial-'1 ly along the line 1414 of FIG. 13.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, a pilfer-proof mounting 20' embodying the features of the present invention is illus-, trated, the latter being adapted to connect miscellaneous articles such ashand tools and the like to a display surface. The mounting 20, which comprises a first embodiment of the invention, is adapted to be secured either to a perforated display surface such as that formed by perfo rated board, indicated at B in FIGS. 1 to 3, or to an imperforate display surface suchas is formed by aconven tional wooden counter or table top, indicated at C in FIG. 5. Inasmuch as perforated board is widely used in the display and merchandising of small articles, the mounting 20 is particularly adapted for use on such a surface. l,

The mounting 20 thus includes a mounting member or, bracket 21 that is adapted to engage a display surface formed by one side 22 of the perforated board B, and a generally U-shaped hook means 23 having a pair of spaced arms 24 adapted to extend through and engage the oppo-' site or rear side, indicated at 25, of the board B. 'A cupshaped, housing 26, in this instance circular in cross section, is provided for enclosing the bracket 21 while engaging the display surface 22 around the bracket 21. Re-' leasable securing means, in this instance a removable screw 27, is provided for urging and maintaining the housing 26 engaged with the side 22 of the boardB while at the same time pulling or urging the bracket 21 forwardly so that the arms 24 of the hook means 23 tightly engage the rear side 25 of the board B. Attaching means, including a length of chain 28, is utilized for attaching an article to the mounting 20. The chain 28 has one end thereof secured to the housing 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and its other end includes a connection, in this instance a spring clip 32, that is adapted to engage an article or to be threaded through the article and connected to the main length of the chain to provide a closed loop on which the article may be retained.

The bracket 21 comprises a generally rectangularshaped plate 33 having spaced portions 34 at one side thereof curled or rolled over to retain and pivotally secure the connecting or bight portion, indicated at 35, of the hook means 23 to the plate 33. A laterally extending flange 36 may be provided on the opposite side edge of the plate portion 33 for strengthening the latter and to limit forward pivotal movement of the bracket 21 away from the display surface 22.

The hook means 23 in this instance is a wire bail which includes the bight portion 35 and the transversely spaced arms 24. The arms 24 are spaced from each other by a distance substantially equal to that of the spacing between an adjacent pair of perforations, indicated at 37, in the board B so that the arms 24 can be inserted in any convenient pair of the perforations 37.

In order to prevent disengagement of the arms 24 after insertion through a pair of the perforations 37, the arms have their outer ends 38 bent substantially at a right angle to provide hooks (FIG. 2) for engagement with the rear side 25 of the board B. The relative lengths of the straight portions and the bent ends 38 of the arms 24 depends on the thickness of the material of the board B and thus the arms are so proportioned as to permit their insertion through the perforations 37 at the front side of the board B in the manner shown at the bottom of FIG. 2. When fully mounted, it will be noted that the outer bent ends 38 of the arms 24 engage the rear side 25 of the board B at their remote ends, the straight portions of the arms engaging the side walls of the perforations 37 to support the plate 33.

The housing 26 in this instance preferably comprises a cylindrical cup having an annular side wall 42 and a flat outer end wall 43 (FIG. 2), the internal diameter of the housing 26 being such as to wholly enclose the bracket 21 when the inner annular end or free edge, indicated at 44, of the housing is engaged with the side 22 of the display surface 12. The axial depth of the cup 13 is suificient to accommodate the arms 24 when the latter have been pivoted toward the plate portion 33 of the bracket 21, as shown in FIG. and described hereinafter.

The end wall 43 is provided with a reinforcing boss or insert 45 mounted in an opening 46 (FIG. 2) therethrough and secured therein by staking 47 at its inner end. The insert 33 is adapted to receive the screw 27 and has an unthreaded bore 48 therethrough.

The chain 28 is secured to the housing 26 by means of an anchor member, which, in the present instance, is in the form of book 52. The anchor member or hook 52 may be formed from a length of heavy wire or rod, circular in cross section, and bent to provide a bight portion 53 and a shank portion 54. The bight portion 53 is adapted to engage the end link of the chain 28 and the shank portion 54 is adapted to detchably engage the side wall 42 of the housing 26 in a novel manner, as will now be described.

Thus, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the side wall 42 of the housing 26 is provided with a slot 56 which extends inwardly or toward the front end wall 43 from the annular end edge 44 for receiving the shank portion 54 of the hook. The slot 56 has a width somewhat less than the diameter of the shank portion 54, and the latter includes a reduced portion, which in the present instance, is formed by a pair of opposed flats 57. The reduced portion of the shank 54 defined by the flats 57 thus permits 4 insertion of the former in the slot 56 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4 by shifting the flats 57 on the shank portion laterally into the slot 56.

In order to secure the anchor 52 to the side wall 42 of the housing 26 the end of the shank portion 54 includes an abutment in the form of an enlarged head 58 that is adapted to engage the inner surface of the housing side wall 42. Because the shank portion 54 has a greater diameter than the width of the slot 56, the inner end of the slot is enlarged, as at 59, to receive the shank portion 54. The slot 56 thus has a keyhole shape. Thus, when the flats 57 of the anchor have been shifted into the inner end 59 of the slot 56, the former may be shifted radially outwardly until the enlarged head 58 engages the inner surface of the sidewall 42 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. When so engaged, the anchor 52 is free to rotate or swivel in the enlarged portion 59, and the anchor cannot be disengaged from the housing 56 due to the interlocked relation of the shank portion 54 in the enlarged inner end 59 of the slot. The housing 26 and connected attaching means 28 may thus be readily manipulated without disengagement of the anchor and attaching means from the housing.

When the annular end wall 44 of the housing 26 is engaged with the side 22 of the display surface, the open end of the slot 56 is closed by the display surface. Thus, the anchor 52 cannot be disengaged from the sidewall 42 of the housing even if the flats 57 are moved into alignment with the slot 56 and the anchor shifted in the slot toward its open end.

In order to maintain the end edge 44 of the housing 26 engaged with the display surface 22 and to maintain the bent ends 38 of the arms 24 engaged with the rear side 25 of the board B, the screw 27 includes an enlarged pilferresistant head 62 and a threaded shank 63, the latter being sufficiently long to extend through the bore 48 in the insert 45 and into engagement with a threaded bore 64 formed in an upstanding boss 66 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) in the plate portion 33 of the bracket 21. The outer end of the insert 45 is recessed, as at 67, to wholly receive the rounded and flattened screw head 62 (FIG. 2) so that the outer end face thereof will be flush with that of the insert 45 when the head 62 is completely received in the recess 67. The internal diameter of the recess 67 is somewhat greater than that of the screw head 62 so that when the latter is fully nested in the former, an annular clearance space is defined therebetween. The shank 63 of the screw 27 is short enough so that its inner end remains spaced from the surface 22 when the screw is fully tightened (FIG. 2). Thus, when the screw head 62 is fully seated in the recess 67, the pilfer-proof features of the mounting 20 are realized as the screw head 62 is inaccessible for manipulation by conventional tools.

In order to effect intentional engagement and disengagement of the screw 27, a special tool 70 is contemplated. The tool 70, in the present instance, comprises a shallow cup member having an end wall 71 and an annular side wall 72. A pin 73 is mounted in the end wall 71 so as to extend axially of the cup member with one end 74 of the pin 73 disposed substantially flush with the end edge of the side wall 72. The side wall 72 has an axial length substantially equal to that of the screw head 62 and a radial thickness substantially equal to the annular clearance space between the inner side wall of the recess 67 and the outer diameter of the screw head 62. The screw head 62, in the present instance, includes at least one aperture or bore 76 adjacent the perimeter thereof for receiving the end 74 of the pin 73.

Thus, when the tool 70 is engaged with the screw head 62 by inserting the end 74 of the pin 73 into the aperture 76 with the annular side wall 72 disposed in the space between the screw head and the adjacent side wall of the recess 67, manipulation of the screw 27 is a simple matter. Without the tool 70, manipulation of the screw 27 is extremely difficult.

To facilitate such manipulation of the tool 70, the latter includes a handle which, in the present instance, comprises a flat washer 79 secured at a flattened side edge 82, as by welding, to the outer side of the end wall 71, in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Once engaged, the screw 27 serves as an interlock to prevent withdrawal of the arms 24 and hence the bracket 21 from the display surface 22. Any attempt to shift the housing 26 laterally is prevented by the screw 27 which rigidly connects the housing 26 and the bracket 21. When the screw 27 is properly tightened, frictional engagement of the screw head 62 in the recess 67 and frictional engagement of the annular end edge 44 of the housing 26 with the surface 22 will normally prevent rotation of the housing. Moreover, even if extreme force is applied to the housing, rotation will be limited by engagement of the enlarged head 58 of the anchor 52 with the arms 24 because of their close proximity to the inner surface of the housing side wall 42.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the device is installed or dismounted from the display board B by manipulations occurring solely at the front side of the board and it is unnecessary to provide any special connections at the rear side of the board in order to prevent casual removal of the device.

In FIG. 5, the mounting 20 is illustrated in a mounted operable position on an irnperforate display surface 83 such as a counter or table top, indicated at C. In such an application, the arms 24 are not used, the plate portion 33 being secured to the display surface by conventional fasteners, such as a pair of wood screws 84. Spaced openings 86 (FIG. 3) are provided in the plate portion 33 for this purpose. In such an application, the arms 24 are, of course, inoperative and are swung to the position illustrated in FIG. 5. When thus mounted, the pilferproof character of the mounting is the same as when secured to the perforated display board B.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, inclusive, a modified construction of the pilfer-proof mounting of the present invention is illustrated, the latter being indicated generally at 90 and comprising a second embodiment thereof. Like reference numerals have been used to identify parts identical with the mounting 20. The mounting 90 differs from the mounting in the construction of its mounting member or bracket, indicated at 91, and the tool, indicated at 92, employed to effect threaded engagement or disengagement of the screw which secures the mounting to the display surface.

Thus, the mounting member or bracket 91 comprises an elongated plate portion 93 having a pair of integral transversely spaced arms 94 extending from one side 95 thereof. The arms 94 include portions 96 which extend perpendicularly from the plane of the plate portion 93 and portions 97 which are bent at a right-angle to the portions 96 so as to lie in a plane generally parallel to the plate portion 93. The portions 97 are thus adopted to engage the rear side of the perforated board B when the mounting 90 is secured thereto. In the illustrated construction of the bracket 91, a built-up or laminated arrangement is utilized in the plate portion 93. Thus, the arms 94 are formed integrally in a separate piece 98 of a sheet of thinner gauge material (FIG. 6) as by stamping or the like, the piece 98 thereafter being secured as by welding to a congruently-shaped piece 99 to thus form the plate portion 93 of the bracket 91. Alternatively, the arms 97 could be formed integrally with the plate portion 93 as a one-piece structure.

As in the mounting 20, the bracket 91 is provided with a threaded opening 101 for receiving the threaded shank portion 63 of a screw 102, and a pair of spaced holes 103 (FIG. 7) are provided for receiving wood screws 84 (FIG. 8) therethrough to facilitate mounting of the bracket on an irnperforate display surface, such as the surface 83. For such a mounting, the bracket 91 is mounted on its side 104 opposite the side 95, so that the 6 arms 94 extend away from the surface as shown in FIG. 8.

As previously mentioned, the mounting employs a tool 92 which ditfers from the tool 70 of the previous embodiment. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 6, the tool 92 in the present instance is bifurcated in the nature of a spanner wrench and may be formed from a length of heavy wire which is bent into the shape of a U to provide a pair of spaced ends 106. Because of the bifurcated ends 106 utilized in the tool 92, the pilfer-resistant head, indicated at 107, of the screw 102 is provided with a pair of radially spaced bores or apertures 108 for receiving the ends 106 when it is desired to manipulate the screw 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, another pilfer proof mounting 110 is illustrated, the latter being adapted to connect articles such as small hand tools and/or appliances having an appliance cord extending therefrom to a display surface. As with the previous mountings, the mounting 110 is adapted to be secured either to a perforated board type display surface, such as that formed by the perforated board B, or to an irnperforate display surface such as is formed by a conventional wooden counter or table top C. Like reference numerals have been used to identify parts of the mounting 110 identical with the previous embodiments.

As will be apparent from FIG. 9, the mounting 110 includes a mounting member or bracket 21 such as is employed in the mounting 20, and a cup-shaped housing 26, circular in cross section, which encloses the bracket 21 and engages the side 22 of a perforated board type display surface. A screw, such as the screw 27 holds the housing engaged with the display surface.

The annular side wall 42 is provided with a slot 56 extending inwardly from the annular end edge 44 thereof, the inner end of which is enlarged in the same manner as in the housing 26 of the mounting 20.

The mounting 110 differs from the previous embodiments in that the attaching means thereof, indicated at 111, is particularly adapted to embrace and retain an appliance cord K, such as is employed in small power tools and appliances (not shown). It will be understood that one end of the cord K is connected to a power tool or appliance and that the other end thereof is provided with a typical outlet plug P for supplying current to the appliance.

The attaching means 111 thus comprises a yoke or U-shaped bail member 112 having a bight portion 113 and spaced arms 114, the ends of which are bent into loops 115 and 116 disposed in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of the yoke 112. The opening in the loop 115 is somewhat smaller than that of the loop 116 and an elongated anchor member 117 is shiftably mounted in the loop 115.

The anchor 117, in the present instance, comprises an elongated pin, circular in cross section, and having an abutment in the form of an enlarged domed head 118 at one end thereof, and another radially enlarged abutment 119 at its other end. The head 118 is small enough to pass through the opening in the loop 116, as indicated in FIG. 10, but will not pass through the opening in the loop 115. The abutment 119 will not pass through the loop 115 so that the pin 117 is permanently loosely mounted in the loop 115.

The major portion of the pin 117 has a diameter some what greater than the width of the slot 56. Thus, in order to permit engagement of the anchor or pin 117 in the slot 56 of the housing 26, the former is provided with a reduced portion, in this instance a pair of flats 122 formed immediately below the head 118. The flats 122 permit lateral shifting of the pin 117 into the slot 56 in the housing 26 in the manner of the previous embodi ment. The pin has a length somewhat greater than the spacing of the arms 114 of the yoke 112 to permit the flats 122 to be shifted to a position outwardly of the loop 116, as shown in FIG. 10. Such position is ob 7 tained when the head 118 has been axially shifted through the opening in the loop 116 and the abutment 119 engages the loop 115.

Thus, when it is desired to display an article such as a power tool or appliance having a cord, such as the cord K having the plug P at one end thereof, from a display surface such as the side 22 of the perforated board B, the user proceeds as follows.

Initially, the bracket 21 of the mounting 110 is mount ed in a spaced pair of perforations 37 in the board B in the manner of the previous embodiments. Thereafter, the pin 117 is shifted in the yoke 112 so that the head 118 engages the loop 115. The open yoke 112 is then fitted around the cord K at any convenient point along its length until the cord is generally disposed adjacent the bight portion 113 of the yoke, and the pin 117 is then shifted axially until the head 118 extends through the opening in the loop 116 with the abutment 119 en gaging the loop 115. The cord K is thus wholly enclosed by the yoke 112 and pin 117. Thereafter, the flats 122 on the projecting end of the pin 117 are aligned with the slot 56 in the side wall 42 of the housing 26 and the pin and yoke are shifted into the slot. The housing 26 is then secured to the display surface 22 of the board B in the same manner as in the previous embodiments by the threading of the screw 27 into the bracket 21. When thus installed, the anchor member or pin 117 serves the dual function of securing the yoke to the housing 26 and also serves as a closure for the open end of the yoke. In addition, because of the loose fit of the anchor pin 117 in the loops 115 and 117 of the yoke 112, the latter is free to rotate about the pin. Because the usual applicance cord, such as the cord K, is provided with an outlet plug P of substantially greater size than the diameter of the cord, the plug cannot be pulled through the opening in the yoke. The tool or appliance at the other end of the cord is thus effectively secured to the display surface 22 and casual theft thereof is discouraged.

It will be understood that the mounting 110 could employ a mounting member or bracket such as the bracket 91 of the mounting 90, if desired, and that the mounting 110 could be mounted on an imperforate display surface such as a counter or table top C.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, inclusive, another pilfer proof mounting 130 is illustrated, the latter comprising a fourth embodiment of the invention. The mounting 130 differs from the previous embodiments in that it is adapted to receive and retain a plurality of attaching means, such as the chain 28 or the yoke and pin means 111 of the previous embodiment, for displaying a plurality of articles therefrom. The mounting 130 further differs from the previous embodiments in that it is particularly adapted for installation on an upright, elongated member or hollow post 131 of the type having a plurality of spaced perforations or slots 132 formed in at least one of its wall portions, in this instance the front wall 133. In the present instance, a plurality of the posts 131 are arranged in laterally spaced relation and are connected by a series of laterally extending frame members 134 to provide a rack R. The rack R may be provided with one or more shelves S for supporting articles to be displayed, and the open areas of the rack R may be closed by perforated board type panels, indicated at B.

In FIG. 11, the mountings 130 are shown mounted on the posts 131 immediately above the shelves S so that one or more articles to be displayed, such as an electric iron I, or the like, may be supported on the shelves S while secured to the mountings 130. In certain applica tions, the articles to be displayed could hang freely from the mountings 130, such as when comparatively light weight articles are to be displayed.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 in conjunction with FIG. 11, the mounting 130 comprises a cup-shaped housing 135 which in the present instance, is elongated and rectangular in cross section. The housing 135 thus includes upper and lower longitudinally spaced end walls 136 and 137, respectively, laterally spaced side walls 138 and 139, respectively, and a front wall 141. The housing is adapted to be mounted with the free end edges, indicated at 142, of the walls 136139 engaging a display or mounting surface, in this instance the front wall 133 of the post 131.

In order to secure the housing 135 in a desired position on the post 131, a mounting member is provided. The mounting member 145, in the present instance, comprises a plate member 146 disposed in the housing 135 so as to lie in a plane parallel to the front wall 141. A boss portion 147 is provided on the front or right side face of the plate member 146, the former being provided with a threaded bore 148 therethrough for receiving the threaded shank, indicated at 149, of a screw 150. The plate member 146 is bored to receive the shank 149 of the screw 150 which is similar to the screw 27. The boss portion 147 is preferably a nut secured as by welding to the front side face of the plate member 146, but could be formed integrally therewith.

Secured to and extending laterally from the rear or left side face of the plate member 146 is a generally L- shaped arm 152. The arm 152 is arranged with its longer leg 153 extending laterally from the inner or left face of the place member 146 and outwardly of the open side of the housing 135. The shorter leg, indicated at 154, of the arm 152 extends laterally of the leg 153 and in the present instance, downwardly or toward the lower end wall 137. The portion 154, which forms a hook, is adapted to extend through a slot 132 in the post 131 to permit the longitudinal inner side thereof, indicated at 156, to engage the inner side, indicated at 157, of the wall 133 of the post 131.

Thus, when it is desired to mount the housing 135 at a particular location on the post 131, the screw 150 is backed off a sufiicient amount to permit the hook portion 154 of the arm 152 to be inserted through a particular slot 132 in the post 131 so that the inner side 156 of the leg 154 will engage the inner side 157 of the wall 133 when the housing 135 and the mounting member 145 are shifted downwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 13. Thereafter, the screw 150 is drawn up to hold the housing engaged with the front wall 133 of the post 131.

The housing 133 may also be mounted on an imperforate surface, such as a counter, or table top C (FIGS. 5 and 8). To this end, the front wall 141 of the housing 135 is provided with openings 158 (FIGS. 12 and 13) which are adapted to receive wood screws, or the like (not shown), for securing the housing to the imperforate surface C. In such an installation the mounting member 145 and screw 150 are unnecessary, and would be omitted from the housing 135.

In order to prevent rotation of the housing 135 and possible loosening of the screw 150, a lug 159 is provided on the edge 142 of the upper wall 136, the lug 159 being adapted to extend into another slot 132 in the post 131. Thus, when the lug 159 is engaged in a slot 132 and the screw 150 drawn up, the housing 135 is rigidly and nonrotatably secured to the front wall 133 of the post 131.

In order to render manipulation of the head, indicated at 159, of the screw 150 ditficult and thus to provide one of the pilfer resistant features to the mounting 130, the front wall 141 is provided with an opening 160 for receiving the screw head 159 therein. Because the material of the front wall 141 has a thickness substantially equal to that of the screw head 159, the outer end face of the latter will lie substantially flush with the outer surface of the front wall 141 when the inner or left face of the screw head 159 is flush with the inner side of the front wall 141. To assure this relation, a plate having an opening therein substantially equal to the diameter of the screw shank 149 is secured as by welding to the rear side of the front wall 141 with the opening in the plate 155 concentric to the opening 160. The plate 155 thus provides an abutment for the inner face of the screw head 159. The opening 160 has a diameter somewhat greater than that of the screw head 159 to provide an annular space therebetween, and the screw head 159 is provided with a bore or aperture, such as aperture 68 in the head 62 of the screw 27, which facilitates manipulation thereof by a special tool, such as the tool 70.

According to the present invention, the housing 135 of the mounting 130 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 161 which are adapted to receive the ends of at least one and preferably a plurality of elongated attaching means, such as the chains 28 having' anchor members 165 at one end thereof so that a plurality of articles may be displayed from the mounting 130. Each anchor member 165 is adapted to coact with a slot 161 in a manner similar to that of the anchor member 52 and slot 56. Thus, each anchor member 165 is in the form of a hook bent to provide a bight portion and a shank portion. The shank portion of the anchor member 165 is also provided with an abutment in the form of an enlarged head but does not include a reduced portion such as is formed by the flats 57 on the anchor member 52.

Each slot 161, in the present instance, includes a portion 162 disposed in one or the other of the side walls 138 or 139 and another port-ion 163 disposed in the front wall 141 so that the slots are continuous. The major portion of the slots have a width substantially equal to that of the shank portion of an anchor member 165 so that the shank portion thereof is freely shiftable in the slots. The inner ends of the slot portions 163 in the front wall 141 are enlarged as at 164 to accommodate passage of the enlarged head of an anchor member 165.

Thus, when it is desired to connect one or more of the attaching means 28 to the housing 135, the shank portion of an anchor member 165 is inserted into a slot 161 by shifting the enlarged head through the enlarged portion 164 and thereafter shifting the anchor into the side wall portion 162 of the slot. When so positioned, the anchor member 165, and consequently an article secured to the other end of the chain 28, is connected to the housing. It will be understood that more than one anchor member 165 and chain 28 could be mounted in any one slot 161.

In order to prevent accidental disengagement of an anchor member 165 after insertion in a slot 161, such as when other anchors are being engaged or disengaged from adjacent slots, the portions 162 of the slots in the side walls 138 and 139 may extend angularly downwardly in the housing 135, as viewed in FIGS. 12 and 13. The anchors 165 thus tend to gravitate to the lower end of the slot portions 162 in the side walls 138 and 139.

Assuming that one or more attaching means 28 have been mounted in the slots 161 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, means must be provided for closing or otherwise covering the enlarged end portions 164 of the slots in order to prevent disengagement of the attaching means and possible pilfering of an article secured thereto. Such means, in the present instance, comprises a cover member in the form of elongated rectangularshaped plate 166 pivotally secured to the front wall 141 adjacent the lower end wall 137 by a pin or rivet 167. The plate 166 could also be secured to the front wall 141 adjacent the upper end wall 136, if desired. The plate 166 has a length and width substantially equal to that of the front wall 141 such that when the former is pivoted to a position overlying the enlarged portions 164 of the slots 161, the plate 166 will congruently engage and overlie the front wall 141 in themanner illustrated in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14. The provision of the cover plate 166 thus permits the addition or removal of one or more attaching means 28 and articles secured thereto without demounting the housing 135 from the post 131 or a similar display surface.

For holding the plate 166 in the aforementioned position, releasable securing means in the form of a screw 168 having an enlarged pilfer-resistant head 171 and a threaded shank 172 is provided. The screw 168 is threaded into the front wall 141 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 12. The plate 166 is provided with a laterally extending slot 174 having a width substantially equal to that of the threaded shank 172 of the screw 168 to permit the shank 172 to be received in the slot 174 on pivotal movement of the plate 166 into congruent engagement with the end wall 141 without removal of the screw. To render manipulation of the screw head 171 difiicult, the inner end of the slot 174 is provided with an enlarged recess 176 for receiving the enlarged head 171 of the screw 168 in nested engagement, in the manner of the previous embodiments. The screw head 171 is also provided with a bore or aperture 177 which permits manipulation thereof by a tool, such as the tool 70, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

While the slots 161 of the mounting 130 have been illustrated and described as being formed in the side walls 138 and 134, and front wall 141. they could also be arranged solely in the side walls 138 and 139 in the manner of the slots 56 in the mountings 20, and 110. If the latter arrangement were employed, it would be advantangeous to incline the slots angularly downwardly from the edges 142 of the side walls 138 and 139, as viewed in FIGS. 12 and 13, to prevent accidental disengagement of the anchor members 165 during installation of the mounting. This latter arrangement would also eliminate the need for the pivotal cover plate 166 and screw 168.

In addition, the multiple slot and closure arrangement of the mounting could also be employed in the housings 26 of the mountings 20, 90 and 110. Thus, a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending slots could be formed in the annular side wall 42 and front wall 43 of the housing 26, in the manner of the slots 161. The portions of the slots in the front wall 43 would include enlarged portions for accommodating insertion of the enlarged heads of the anchor members, and a circular cover plate would be provided to cover the enlarged portions of the slots. Such cover plate could be recessed or employ a boss or insert, similar to the insert 45, for receiving the pilfer resistant head of a screw such as the screw 27.

While four embodiments of the invention have been herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that modifications and variations thereof may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display surface or the like, comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to said surface, a cupshaped housing adapted to enclose said member and engage said surface, said housing having an outer wall,

screw means having a pilfer-resistant end portion and a threaded shank adapted to extend through said outer wall and engage said mounting member, and attaching means connected to and freely rotatable in said housing and adapted to engage said article to be displayed to prevent casual theft thereof.

2. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display surface or the like, comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to said surface, a cup-shaped housing adapted to enclose said member and engage said surface, said housing having an outer wall with a recess, screw means having a pilfer-resistant end portion and a threaded shank adapted to extend through said wall and engage said mounting member with said end portion in said recess, and elongated flexible attaching means connected at one end to said housing and having its other end adapted to be connected to said article, whereby casual theft of said article is prevented.

3. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display surface or the like, comprising a mounting memher adapted to be secured to said surface, a cup-shaped housing adapted to enclose said mounting member and engage said surface, said housing having a side wall and an outer wall and a slot formed in at least one of said walls, screw means having a pilfer-resistant end portion and a threaded shank adapted to extend through said outer wall and engage said mounting member, an elongated anchor member having a portion at one end thereof of greater size than the width of said slot for preventing disengagement of said anchor member when the latter is disposed in said slot with said portion in said housing, and attaching means connected at one end to said anchor member and having its other end adapted to be connected to said article to be displayed, whereby casual theft of said article is prevented.

4. An anti-pilfer device for securing an article to a display surface or the like, comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to said surface, a cup-shaped housing adapted to enclose said mounting member, said housing having a side wall with a free edge portion adapted to engage said surface and an outer wall connected to the opposite edge portion of said side wall, screw means having a pilfer-resistant end portion and a threaded shank extending through said outer wall and engaging said mounting member, said side wall being provided with at least one slot having one end thereof opening in one of said edge portions, a detachable anchor member slidably insertable in said slot through the open end thereof and having an end portion of greater size than the width of said slot for preventing disengagement of said anchor member from said housing, means for obstructing the open end of said slot when the device is installed, and attaching means connected to said anchor member and adapted to be disposed exteriorly of said housing for connection to said article.

5. The device of claim 4 further characterized in that said attaching means comprises a length of chain connected to the opposite end of said anchor member.

6. The device of claim 4 further characterized in that said attaching means comprises a yoke having spaced legs with a pair of aligned openings therethrough, and said anchor member comprises a pin of greater length than the spacing between said openings and extending loosely through said openings with enlarged abutments at both ends thereof, one of said openings being smaller than said abutments for retaining said yoke and pin in loosely connected relation, and the other of said openings being larger than the abutment on the adjacent end of the pin to permit the latter to be retracted from said other opening for attaching the yoke to an article such as an electrical appliance cord and thereafter to be projected through said other opening for insertion of the projecting end of the pin in said slot.

7. A pilfer-proof mounting according to claim 4 further characterized .in that said slot has an enlarged portion at the closed end thereof remote from said open end, and said anchor member comprises a pin having a diameter greater than the width of said slot but less than the size of the enlarged closed end portion of the slot, and said pin has a reduced portion fittable in said slot, whereby said pin may be inserted in said slot when the reduced portion of said pin is aligned with said slot and said pin thereafter being shiftable axially when disposed at said enlarged closed end portion of said slot to permit said end portion to engage said housing and to prevent unintentional movement of the pin out of the slot.

8. The device of claim 4 further characterized in that the open end of said slot is adjacent the free edge portion of said side wall so that said open end is closed by said display surface when the housing is engaged therewith.

9. The device of claim 4 further characterized in that the open end of said slot is adjacent the opposite edge portion of said side wall, and said means for obstructing the open end of the slot comprises a movable cover mem- 12 ber securable to said outer wall and adapted to overlie said opposite edge portion of said side wall.

10. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display surface or the like, comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to said surface, a cup-shaped housing having a fiat end wall with an opening therethrough and an annular side wall adapted to enclose said mounting member with an annular end edge adapted to engage said display surface, screw means having an end portion and a threaded shank extending through said opening in said end wall with said threaded shank engaging said mounting member, said end portion coacting with said end wall to hold said annular end edge of said housing engaged with said display surface, said housing also having an opening in the side wall thereof, and article attaching means having an end thereof extending through the opening in the side wall of said housing and having means for engaging the inner surface of said side wall for securing said attaching means to said housing, said last-named means being adapted to engage said mounting member upon rotation of said housing to limit rotation thereof.

11. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display panel of the type comprising a sheet of material having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough, said mounting comprising a bracket having a pair of transversely spaced parallel arms extending therefrom, said arms having their outer ends bent for engagement with one side of said panel and being insertable into an adjacent pair of perforations at the opposite side of said panel, a cup-shaped housing having a fiat end wall and an annular side wall enclosing said bracket and engaging said opposite side of said panel, said end wall having a recess formed therein, screw means having an end portion and a threaded shank extending through said end wall with said end portion in said recess and said threaded shank engaging said bracket to maintain said housing engaged with the opposite side of said panel, said recess receiving said end portion of said screw means so that only a limited portion of said screw means is accessible for manipulation thereof, and attaching means extending from said annular side wall of said housing for attaching said article thereto, whereby casual removal of said housing and an article secured thereto is prevented.

12. A pilfer-proof mounting according to claim 11 further characterized in that said arms are rigid with said bracket.

13. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display panel of the type comprising a sheet of material having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough, said mounting comprising a bracket having a plate portion adapted to be secured to an imperforate surface and also having a generally U-shaped bail member pivotally connected to said plate portion, said bail member providing a pair of transversely spaced parallel arms having their outer ends bent for engagement with one side of said panel and being insertable into an adjacent pair of perforations at the opposite side of said panel, said bail member being pivotally foldable into an inoperative position adjacent said plate portion when said plate portion is secured to an imperforate surface, a housing enclosing said bracket and engaging said opposite side of said panel, means extending through said housing and into engagement with said bracket for maintaining said housing engaged with said opposite side of said panel, and attaching means extending from said housing for attaching said article thereto, whereby casual removal of said housing and an article secured thereto is prevented.

14. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing at least one article to a display surface comprising a cup-shaped housing adapted to be mounted on said display surface, said housing having an outer wall and at least one side wall having an edge engageable with said display surface, said side wall and said outer wall having at least one continuous slot therein, the portion of said slot in said outer wall including an enlarged portion, elongated attaching means having an enlarged portion at one end thereof insertable through said enlarged portion of said slot, said one end of said attaching means thereafter being shiftable in said slot to a position in the side wall portion thereof, a cover member movable to a position covering said enlarged portion of said slot to prevent disengagement of said attaching means from said slot, said cover member also being movable to a position remote from said enlarged portion of said slot to permit engagement and disengagement of one or more attaching means in said slot without demounting said housing from said display surface, and pilfer-resistant screw means releasably securing said cover member in said position covering said enlarged portion of said slot, whereby casual theft of an article secured to the other end of said attaching means is prevented.

15. A pilfer-proof mounting according to claim 14 further characterized in that a plurality of said slots are provided in said housing.

16. A pilfer-proof mounting according to claim 14 further characterized in that said housing is of an elongated rectangular shape, and the portion of said slot in said side wall extends diagonally, whereby said attaching means is prevented from shifting in said slot toward the enlarged portion thereof when said housing is mounted on a vertical display surface.

17. The combination of claim 14 further characterized in that said cover member comprises a plate pivotally secured to said outer wall of said housing adjacent said side wall thereof.

18. A pilfer-proof mounting for securing an article to a display surface having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough, comprising a generally rectangular cupshaped housing having a flat outer wall and spaced side walls having edges adapted to engage said display surface at one side thereof, said outer wall and one of said side walls having at least one continuous slot therein, the portion of said slot in said outer wall including an enlarged portion, elongated attaching means having an enlarged portion at one end thereof insertable into said housing through said enlarged portion of said slot, a cover member movable to a position covering said enlarged portion of said slot for retaining said attaching means in said slot, a mounting member adapted to be enclosed by said housing and having a portion adapted to extend through one of the perforations in said display surface and into engagement With the opposite side thereof, and pilfer-resistant screw means engaging said mounting member and holding said housing engaged with said .one side of said display surface, whereby casual theft of an article secured to the other end of said attaching means is prevented.

19. The combination of claim 18 further characterized in that said cover member comprises a rectangular-shaped plate pivotally mounted on said outer wall of said housing and having an opening therein, and pilfer-resistant screw means is provided extending through said opening into said outer wall for holding said plate in position covering the enlarged portion of said slot.

20. The combination of claim 19 further characterized in that said opening in said plate comprises a slot extending substantially laterally inwardly from a longitudinal side edge of said plate, whereby said plate may be pivotally moved to uncover said slot Without removing said screw means from said outer wall.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS CLAUDE A, LE ROY, Primary Examiner, 

1. A PILFER-PROOF MOUNTING FOR SECURING ANN ARTICLE TO A DISPLAY SURFACE OR THE LIKE, COMPRISING A MOUNTING MEMBER ADAPTED TO BE SECURED TO SAID SURFACE, A CUPSHAPED HOUSING ADAPTED TO ENCLOSE SAID MEMBER AND ENGAGE SAID SURFACE, SAID HOUSING HAVING AN OUTER WALL, SCREW MEANS HAVING A PILFER-RESISTANT END PORTION AND A THREADED SHANK ADAPTED TO EXTEND THROUGH SAID OUTER WALL AND ENGAGE SAID MOUNTING MEMBER, AND ATTACHING MEANS CONNECTED TO AND FREELY ROTATABLE IN SAID HOUSING AND ADAPTED TO ENGAGE SAID ARTICLE TO BE DISPLAYED TO PREVENT CAUSAL THEFT THEREOF. 